Secular humanism is a [[philosophical]] belief that states that [[human]]s are to be valued above all else. The inclusion of the word "[[secular]]" indicates that the philosophy includes [[atheism]]. The term was created in the 20th century as the opposite to [[religious humanism]]. Some humanists prefer the term "[[Humanism]]" (capitalized) without the word "secular", since adding this word emphasizes the philosophy's lack of religion. The Norwegian Humanist Association, [[Human-Etisk Forbund]] (HEF), is currently the largest secular humanist organization in the world.

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Humanism is a [[philosophical]] belief that states that [[human]]s are the center of moral value. When paired with the word "[[secular]]" it indicates a sub-branch of that philosophy which is non-religious. The term is an important distinction from [[religious humanism]], which refers to the humanist factor found in almost all religions. Some humanists prefer the term "[[Humanism]]" (capitalized) without the word "secular", since adding this word emphasizes the philosophy's specificity as a stand-alone term. Any secular philosophy which includes humanism is technically a form of secular humanism, while 'Humanism' incorporates additional ideas, described below. The Norwegian Humanist Association, [[Human-Etisk Forbund]] (HEF), is currently the largest secular humanist organization in the world.

==Tenets==

==Tenets==

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Secular humanism usually contains the following tenets:

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As a philosophy, Humanism contains the following tenets:

*[[Belief]]s need to be tested instead of being accepted solely on [[faith]].

*[[Belief]]s need to be tested instead of being accepted solely on [[faith]].

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==Criticism==

==Criticism==

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Some people criticize secual humanism on the grounds that it offers no eternal truths nor a relationship with the divine. It is the belief of these critics that the lack of these things leaves humanity without a good anchor and that it makes secular humanism itself cynical and pessimistic. Humanists respond that these criticisms reflect a lack of knowledge of the fundamental beliefs of humanism, which is not cynical and pessimistic, but idealistic and optimistic.

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Some people criticize secular humanism on the grounds that it offers no relationship with the divine. It is the belief of these critics that the lack of these things leaves humanity without a good anchor and that it makes secular humanism itself cynical and pessimistic. Part of the confusion which gives rise to this objection is a misunderstanding of the terms described above. Technically speaking, 'secular' simply means 'non-religious'. Religion and theism are different concepts, and a person who believes in god(s) may well still be a secular humanist, provided they meet the criteria (belonging to no religion and holding humans as the central moral value).

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A individual aiming the above criticism at secular humanism is most likely confusing the term with Humanism, which is (typically) atheistic. Even this, however, is still a misdirected argument. Humanism having no relationship with the divine is not accurately a criticism of Humanism, but a criticism of [[atheism]]. As most of this site is dedicated to addressing criticisms of atheism, we need not expound upon the issue here.

==Secular Humanism "Religion"?==

==Secular Humanism "Religion"?==

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Some [[Christian]]s maintain that secular humanism is a religion. Humanists deny this (humanism has no gods, churches, etc), but do acknowledge that some varieties of humanism may be religious in certain senses of the word.

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Some maintain that secular humanism is a religion. Humanists deny this (humanism has no rituals, churches, etc), but do acknowledge that humanism (small 'h') is part of various religions.

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By the definition of the word 'secular' if a form of humanism as become religious it has ceased to be ''secular'' humanism. It would then be a form of religious humanism.

Revision as of 00:31, 9 April 2012

Humanism is a philosophical belief that states that humans are the center of moral value. When paired with the word "secular" it indicates a sub-branch of that philosophy which is non-religious. The term is an important distinction from religious humanism, which refers to the humanist factor found in almost all religions. Some humanists prefer the term "Humanism" (capitalized) without the word "secular", since adding this word emphasizes the philosophy's specificity as a stand-alone term. Any secular philosophy which includes humanism is technically a form of secular humanism, while 'Humanism' incorporates additional ideas, described below. The Norwegian Humanist Association, Human-Etisk Forbund (HEF), is currently the largest secular humanist organization in the world.

Fulfillment, growth, and creativity are emphasized for both the individual and mankind in general.

A constant search for objectivetruth, with an understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our perceptions of it, and that scientific ideas should constantly change to better describe the real world.

An emphasis on making this life the best it can be for everyone, since humanists (especially those who include the word "secular") tend to believe that this life is the only one a person gets.

A search for a good system of individual, social, and political ethics.

An ultimate goal of building a better world for ourselves and our descendents by working together.

Criticism

Some people criticize secular humanism on the grounds that it offers no relationship with the divine. It is the belief of these critics that the lack of these things leaves humanity without a good anchor and that it makes secular humanism itself cynical and pessimistic. Part of the confusion which gives rise to this objection is a misunderstanding of the terms described above. Technically speaking, 'secular' simply means 'non-religious'. Religion and theism are different concepts, and a person who believes in god(s) may well still be a secular humanist, provided they meet the criteria (belonging to no religion and holding humans as the central moral value).

A individual aiming the above criticism at secular humanism is most likely confusing the term with Humanism, which is (typically) atheistic. Even this, however, is still a misdirected argument. Humanism having no relationship with the divine is not accurately a criticism of Humanism, but a criticism of atheism. As most of this site is dedicated to addressing criticisms of atheism, we need not expound upon the issue here.

Secular Humanism "Religion"?

Some maintain that secular humanism is a religion. Humanists deny this (humanism has no rituals, churches, etc), but do acknowledge that humanism (small 'h') is part of various religions.

By the definition of the word 'secular' if a form of humanism as become religious it has ceased to be secular humanism. It would then be a form of religious humanism.